To live a peaceful life, it is important to know about Yoga. The word yoga was first mentioned in Rig Veda. The Sanskrit word ‘Yoga’ is translated as “yoke” or “union.” To yoke means to draw together, to bind together; or to unite. Its aim is to yoke or create a union of the body, mind, soul, and Universal consciousness. Majority live not in union with the Universal consciousness, but a fragmented life, which seems like a burden every single moment. Yoga is a balanced state of the body and mind, a balanced state of emotions, a balanced state of thoughts and intellect, and a balanced state of behaviour.
The “Eight limbed path”
Patanjali is considered the father of Yoga. He organized the practice of yoga into an "eight limbed path" containing the steps and stages towards obtaining Samadhi or enlightenment. The eight limbs of yoga are:
1. Yama (abstinences),
2. Niyama (observances),
3. Asana (yoga postures),
4. Pranayama (breath control),
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses),
6. Dharana (concentration),
7. Dhyana (meditation) and
8. Samadhi (absorption)."
Yama and Niyama
Let us understand yama and niyama (yoga’s ethical guidelines), which form the pillars to build a balanced life. They are like a map to guide you on your life's journey. Basically, yamas are things not to do(restraints), while the niyamas are things to do(observances). The Yoga Sutra describes five different yamas, Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Satya (truthfulness), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Brahmacharya (celibacy or fidelity). It is a common tendency to write off these qualities as “They are not possible to be followed in modern era. I will be foolish to adhere to them and definitely I’ll be a loser” But even in these times, there are people who follow them and its power can be detected in their auras. And mind you, they are not losers!
What is normally not known is that following these can bring tremendous rewards, with constant practice. Let us see what the rewards for the yamas are.
Rewards of Yama
1. Ahimsa- Friendship with all living beings. We have heard of saints walking in the forest with lions accompanying them
2. Satya- When you speak only the truth, over time, whatever you speak, will become true
3. Astheya- All your needs will be met by the Universe. It is amazing to see that by not stealing from others, whatever you need or whatever thought to have something comes to your mind, they will be delivered.
4. Brahmacharya- provides tremendous mental strength. This is a very powerful gift. For those who think that sex is a ‘biological need’ and believe in multiple partners and one night stands, this may seem unachievable. But with multiple partners, with the intense mingling of aura, there will be tears in the aura and sometimes even a dark energy is palpable.
5. Aparigraha- helps in spiritual journey
Niyama
Following Niyama practice helps us maintain a positive environment in which to thrive. It gives us the self-discipline, humility, and inner-strength necessary to progress along the path of yoga. ‘Saucha’ is the first of the five niyamas. It is the personal practice of cleanliness – of body, mind and spirit. At the physical level, saucha applies to our surroundings and environment as well as our bodies.
Then there are ‘Santosha’ – contentment (being happy with whatever one has), and gratitude.
‘Tapas’ – Self-discipline or “burning enthusiasm”.
‘Svadhyaya’ – self study and self-reflection.
‘Isvara Pranidhana’ – devotion, and surrender, and always thinking of God.
Rewards of Niyama
1. Cleanliness - helps us to attain detachment
2. Contentment - mental peace
3. Tapas- Siddhis or psychic powers. As we move along this path, we gain control over elements. Highly skilled, advanced practitioners attain Siddhis. Those who do have the higher Siddhis very seldom reveal their accomplishment. The eight siddhis are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishatva and Vasitva.
a) Anima: This is the ability to shrink one's body size, even to the size of an atom. A common example of anima is when Lord Hanuman reduced his size when searching for Sita in Sri Lanka.
b) Mahima: The complete opposite of Anima, Mahima is becoming larger than the largest. Lord Hanuman also assumed this form to set Lanka ablaze, and to fight Kumbha Karna.
c) Garima: This is the ability to become very heavy by will that one is rendered immovable by anyone, or anything. This is documented when Lord Hanuman made his tail so heavy that even the extremely strong Bhim couldn't lift it.
d) Laghima: Laghima originates from the root word "laghu", which means small, or light. This siddhi can make one's body weightless. Levitation and flying are the extended powers of this siddhi.
e) Prapti: This is the ability to obtain anything, anywhere.
f) Prakamya: The ability to obtain anything desired, and realising dreams. It is also the powers that enable one to live in water, and the power to enter the body of another person. For example, Sri Sankara entered the body of Raja Aamruka of Benares, and Tirumoolar entered the body of a shepherd using this siddhi.
g) Isatva: Referring to the "power of Lordliness", this siddhi is about power of absolute lordship over the entire creation. One of the greatest siddhis, Isatva enables crossing over the laws of nature and it overlaps the other siddhis. For example, this enables one to separate their soul from their body at will.
h) Vasitva: This is the ability to have anything under control, especially the physical manifestation of the five elements. This is the siddhi that can conquer any/or all beings in the universe.
4. Svadhyaya – Showers us with blessings beyond imagination
5. Isvara Pranidhana – Takes us towards God realization.
Start early
Ultimately we need to embrace Yoga, which is the restriction of the fluctuations of consciousness. The practice begins by sitting and calming the fluctuations of the body, breath, and senses, and then the more elusive whirlings of consciousness
Spiritual foundation helps one to go through the ups and downs of life without losing balance. When one has spent years totally involved in materialistic things, it is impossible to turn spiritual in the old age. Spiritual attitude should be a life process, which means it has to start from birth. So children need to be trained, parents should realize this great responsibility.
Reference:
https://astroulagam.com.my/lifestyle/eight-most-powerful-yoga-siddhis-155919
https://blog.cosmicinsights.net/hanuman-sita-siddhi-nidhi/